Integration Two Paulina Romero December 1, 2021 Integration Two Assignments from Week 9-12 in my Moreau class allowed me to look into myself as a person, rather than looking into those that surround me. This helped me go through a process of self discovery and self improvement which I did not know was necessary until I was forced to ask myself questions that I have never asked myself before. For example, on Week 9 assignment “Encountering Dissonance” we were asked to look into our goals and achievements. I used to think that having a clear mind and focus on your goals would help you achieve them, and while it does help it is important not to mix those with expectations. Having expectations can actually make it harder for you to achieve your goals, because if expectations go wrong you can be discouraged from wanting to work towards that goal. So I asked myself that question, “how can I work towards my goals and accomplishments without having expectations?”. Something that was mentioned in the videos and it is very important to highlight is the following quote: “Remember that none of us is perfect. We all make mistakes. We will disappoint people. We’ll disappoint ourselves. But the world doesn’t have to end when that happens.” (“What is Imposter Syndrome?” by Elizabeth Cox - Moreau FYE Week Nine) I really like this quote because I feel like this should be a constant reminder for everyone. It may be cliche to hear that at some extent it may lose its power, but if we really try to live by it and pursue it instead of just thinking about it, it will allow us to earn that feeling of accomplishment without fraudulent thoughts invading our minds. This has specially changed for me once arriving at Notre Dame. In high school I had no problem reassuring myself that I was on the right track for my future because there was a clear cut between those who were dedicated to their studies, the ones who had a clear idea on what https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQUxL4Jm1Lo they wanted to achieve in their future, and those who really didn’t pay much attention or focus to those aspects in life. But then, I arrive at a place where everyone is a derived version of each other. We are all over achievers, career focused, and dedicated to our education. So coming to Notre Dame really made me doubt my worth and my belonging, as I constantly needed to be reminded of how I can make the most out of my time here. Soon enough I understood that I was overthinking way too much, that most students have the same doubts as I do. It was hard for me to accept but I finally knew that sometimes I will fail, sometimes I will not be the best at something or stand at the top, but it isn’t a step backwards in my dreams, it is just one bump to conquer along the way. This idea is also mentioned in Week 12 of moreau “Encountering Hope”. Though I had some issues understanding the reading, it talks about how flawed human beings are, and how everyone goes through highs and lows, and there is nothing wrong with that. I definitely encountered various obstacles since arriving at Notre Dame and the only thing that saved me from haunting thoughts of failure is realizing that all freshmen were standing on the same boat. Especially where they mention competence, courage, and hope. An important part of the material reads: “Competence can be acquired externally in many different ways, but courage is instilled over time by cultivating one’s heart and constantly directing its purposes beyond one’s self”. (“Hope-Holy Cross and Christian Education” by Fr. James B. King - Moreau FYE Week Twelve) I think it is a very important quote highlighted from the Holy Cross and Christian Education pdf, because it suggests that without courage you can’t be competent. And I think being competent is sometimes a misconception in the way that people think that being able to do stuff makes you somehow superior, and I don’t think it necessarily makes you any better. You can be good at completing tasks but I think having the courage to do so speaks volumes, because completing a task is something many people can do, it doesn’t make you special, but having the courage to do it even though you might not be the best at it, shows purpose beyond ability. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23733/files/192471?module_item_id=109281 For Week 10 and Week 11 in Moreau we are faced with the idea of unity whether through religious beliefs or race. I think we are lucky to be in a community, where people of so many races and backgrounds are accepted and included. It shows how healthy of a community Notre Dame is, which makes my experience here, and the university my home away from home. This is extremely important because I can’t imagine coming here from the other side of the world, as some students, for them to feel out of place, or feel like they do not belong. In the little time I’ve been here I’ve never seen race being in issue, not for clubs or extracurriculars, or dorm community; while I have other friends currently also studying in the United States telling me horror stories, of the race issue in sororities and fraternities at their university. I think it is honourable that students and faculty still work on diversity struggles, or for that matter , benefits, in spite of Notre Dame being a healthy and inclusive community. It shows us students the importance of having a prejudice against other students, and allowing us to break barriers between people with different stories than your own, which eventually turn to everlasting bonds. One of the most powerful quotes in these last four weeks, and the perfect summary for all of the topics encountered is “Hatred is poison” ("Wesley Theological Seminary 2012 Commencement Address" by Father John Jenkins - Moreau FYE Week Ten) this is a really strong quote because it’s clarity and straightforwardness gives it some sort of power. It really says that negativity and hatred essentially ruins everything and I agree. I think with hatred barriers are built, oppositions are created, and communication, love and appreciation decreases. All important factors to build a healthy, united and cooperative community. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23733/modules/items/109181 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23733/modules/items/109181